The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) has barred the state government from releasing the January installment of its 'Ladki Bahin' welfare scheme in advance, citing the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the upcoming municipal elections. This decision, announced on January 12, 2026, comes ahead of the civic body polls for 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), scheduled for January 15, 2026. The controversy began after BJP minister Girish Mahajan reportedly announced that beneficiaries of the 'Mukhyamantri Mazi Ladki Bahin Yojana' would receive a combined payment of ₹3,000—covering both December and January installments—before Makar Sankranti, falling on January 14, describing it as a "special gift." The 'Ladki Bahin' scheme is a flagship initiative by the state government, providing ₹1,500 monthly assistance to eligible women beneficiaries. The Opposition, primarily the Congress party, swiftly lodged complaints with the SEC, alleging that the timing of this advance payment was a clear attempt to influence voters just before the elections and constituted a violation of the MCC. While the SEC clarified that ongoing schemes like 'Ladki Bahin' could continue and regular or pending installments could be disbursed, it explicitly prohibited any advance payments during the period when the poll code is in effect. This move underscores the SEC's vigilance in ensuring a fair electoral process during a crucial civic election period in Maharashtra.